Urquhart Castle strategically overlooking Loch Ness enabled observation of troop movements along the Great Glen. In 1286, King Alexander III of Scotland died without an heir. The covetous Edward I of England, seized this opportunity to capture Urquhart Castle in 1296. This began the Wars of Scottish Independence. The Castle changed hands between the English and Scots over the next 300 years.
In 1692, after a siege by the Jacobites, the castle was partially destroyed to deny Jacobite forces refuge. Plundering of the stonework reduced the castle to ruins. The Grant Tower partially collapsed during a storm in 1715. The roofless remains of Urquhart Castle were finally abandoned in 1770.
A great way to see the Castle is from Loch Ness. Take the Jacobite Cruise Ship out of Inverness, down Loch Dochfour and into Loch Ness. The ship docks at the castle's pier where you'll disembark and visit the castle on foot. The view of Urquhart Castle from the loch as the boat approaches is fantastic.
Urquhart Castle strategically overlooking Loch Ness enabled observation of troop movements along the Great Glen. In 1286, King Alexander III of Scotland died without an heir. The covetous Edward I of England, seized this opportunity to capture Urquhart Castle in 1296. This began the Wars of Scottish Independence. The Castle changed hands between the English and Scots over the next 300 years.
In 1692, after a siege by the Jacobites, the castle was partially destroyed to deny Jacobite forces refuge. Plundering of the stonework reduced the castle to ruins. The Grant Tower partially collapsed during a storm in 1715. The roofless remains of Urquhart Castle were finally abandoned in 1770.
A great way to see the Castle is from Loch Ness. Take the Jacobite Cruise Ship out of Inverness, down Loch Dochfour and into Loch Ness. The ship docks at the castle's pier where you'll disembark and visit the castle on foot. The view of Urquhart Castle from the loch as the boat approaches is fantastic.
R&R Travel Photography